Katrina Kaif: Marital rape is a crime, women must speak up; we are not the weaker sex

Katrina Kaif has never been one to shy away from making a point. Recently, the actress talked about the need for women to speak up on gender crimes committed against them.

“India had a woman as head of state,way before United Kingdom,a feat USA has not managed to achieve as of yet, which is why it is surprising to hear about gender inequality in India,” the actress said. (Indian Express)

Katrina Kaif has never been one to shy away from making a point. Recently, the actress talked about the need for women to speak up on gender crimes committed against them. She pointed out that despite India’s distinction of having female leader much before countries in the west did, gender inequality is still rife in the country. “India had a woman as head of state,way before United Kingdom,a feat USA has not managed to achieve as of yet, which is why it is surprising to hear about gender inequality in India, and sadly we do,” the actress said.

The actress made her statements at the WeUnite conference – a tie up between UN Women and the IMC Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Contrary to popular belief that women who do not have the benefit of education are the ones who remain silent when their rights are violated, Kat pointed out, “I know of educated women, who remain silent in the face of violence, because they are afraid to confront societal norms and have fingers pointed in their direction. Specially when the majority of our society fails to recognise marital rape as a crime. I would urge more women to speak up. It is not okay to feel inferior or weak, because we are not the weaker sex by any stretch of imagination.”

According to a report in DNA, The star further added some disheartening statistics about the rate of crimes against women in the country. “In India according to the data provided by the national crime records bureau, in 2001 the reported crimes against women were 1,43,795. In 2005, it were 3,27,394. More than a 100 percent in numbers. However, I would like to believe that this increase in numbers is not an increase in crime against women. It is in increase in number of women who are ready to come forward and reporting them.”